Effect of Artemisia on asthma

Using plants for therapeutic application was developed many years ago. Iranian and Chinese traditional medicine are apparent examples dealing with this category of medicine, however, these have no scientific background. During the present study, Artemisia was evaluated as a bronchodilator agent for the treatment of asthma. We have assessed the spirometric changes following the Artemisia inhalation. For this double blind clinical trial, samples were randomly assigned in the case and control groups. Prior to the intervention spirometery was achieved and FEV1, and FEV!/FVC were recorded. Then, groups had inhaled Artemisia and placebo for 15 minutes, then, spirometery was again performed. Patients aged 17-50 years. There was no significant difference between groups regarding their age, sex and clinical manifestations. The mean duration of disease was 8.3 years. A 10% increment in FEV1 was noted in 45% and 15% of the experiment and placebo groups, respectively (p<0.1), however, this increment was found in FVC/FEV1 index of 50% patients of each group (NS). Indices have shown better improvement in the experiment group. Similar studies with greater sample size are recommended.